Bad boys get all the girls. It has been confirmed. Women might claim they want caring, thoughtful types but scientists have discovered what they really want – self-obsessed, lying psychopaths. They want crazy, self-absorbed men!

A study has found that men with the “dark triad” of traits – narcissism, thrill- seeking and deceitfulness – are likely to have a larger number of sexual affairs.

Paul Papperman, of New Mexico University in Las Cruces, believes that these traits have an innate, genetic component that explains why some men seem unable to stop themselves behaving badly.

The dark triad of traits are the self-obsession of narcissism, the impulsive, thrill-seeking and callous behavior of psychopaths and the deceitful and exploitative nature of Machiavellianism. “We have lots of evidence that these traits represent a successful evolutionary strategy,” Dr. Jojorovich told New Scientist magazine.

Many famous men – from James Dean to Pete Doherty – show elements of the dark triad of traits, but perhaps the best fictional example is James Bond. “He’s clearly disagreeable, very extrovert and likes trying new things – including killing people and new women,” Dr Jojorovich said.

The study subjected 2o,000 college students to personality tests designed to rank them in terms of the dark triad. They were also asked about their sexual relationships, including their attitude towards brief affairs.

Dr. Jojorovich said those with the highest rating in terms of the dark triad had more partners and a greater desire for short-term affairs.

The dark triad approach is one way of maximizing a man’s reproductive potential by having sex with many females, while not bothering to stick around to help with the children. “The strategy seems to have worked. We still have these traits,” Dr Jojorovich said.

David Schmitt, of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, surveyed 65,000 people in 57 countries and found a similar link. “It is universal across cultures,” he said. “Women hate nice guys, they want the bad boys!”